They are everywhere...

Downstairs in the tv area {the tv is blasting, but I KNOW he's asleep.}
Upstairs in their bedrooms.
TWO in my bed, and its NOT the two you'd assume.
Twins in their OWN beds, and went to sleep without screaming!!

There is something peaceful about the evening, when all the kids are in their respective places.
They are home and accounted for.
Sleeping.
Isn't that just the most peaceful time for a parent?

My house is full, and they are everywhere.....
but I wouldn't have it any other way.

back in the swing of things....

Today I got 'back in the swing of things' as my dear Nani said last night {love her}

it was an interesting day for sure

twins-

7+books read

lincoln logs

puzzles

hopping, running, jumping outside

enjoying birds chirping

wind blowing

branches swaying

more puzzles

coloring

more books

snacks

lunch

water

juice

wood magnet dolls

dancing

mozart on cd

naptime in the car

all the kids were at school today

the husband working

and today I had to get my groove back 

parenting the twins alone

like a regular stay at home mama

 

my long-haired boy

Tomorrow I take my long-haired boy to get a haircut

he's 10 1/2 and has his hair long 3/4 of his life

thats him

last summer it was down below the middle of his back

longer than ALL three of his sisters

often called a young lady by strangers

well, usually sweet elderly....

and he doesn't correct them

he just lets them continue

{although he feels a tad uncomfortable}

this is clearly a boy---ponytail and all

he's always loved long hair

 to go against the 'norm'

he gets that from his mama {at least that's what I've heard}

but he's just him

no show

not seeking glory

just knows who he is

 I just had to include this

it was taken a year ago

he hates his picture taken

this is him telling the mamarazzi to stop

and then we took off 9-10 inches in the fall

and it was still loooooong

but him

I'm excited to see how it will turn out tomorrow

or i should say today

he's slightly nervous

it will be the first time his hair will be above his shoulders since the fall of 2006

Standard Operating Procedures

My LIFE

I wish I could describe it to you......

but I don't even know if describing it would be 'enough'

Maybe I'm whining. Oh well. Believe me when I say I trust in the Lord. Oh I do.

I look back and see His sovereignty. I think 'He really knew what He was doing here'

I do have faith. I know my God will never leave me.....

See my life is just crazy. Seriously. And I'm not talking all the kids here. Everything else is nuts.

I always seem to encounter the craziest {rude} people, whether its at the kids' school or at Target.....even when I'm being super nice. I ALWAYS get the run around when making phone calls. I get told one thing on the phone, just to run across town and be told 'we don't do that.' I don't know why the many  other examples are fleeting my memory right now. But there are many. I usually try to find a silver lining! {And I have many successful trips out and about in our world----its not all horrible} I do wonder why, though. Let me tell ya, I've talked to God about this......

I tell ya one thing I DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT ask is 'What else could go wrong' I'm so terrified of that question, it kinda freaked me out typing it!!

Now your probably thinking.....'Um. Alisha, thats EVERYONE'S life.' Well, that may be.....BUT if I could list everything, you'd probably put me on your prayer list {which, I totally need, so go right ahead ;)}

And now I wonder why I even typed this. I've found in my life, because I'm so transparent, people judge me often.....SO DON'T!!! {He's still working on me, and none of us have arrived}

Today when I was leaving my parents house.....I was talking to my dad and I said "Dad, I'm tired of all this kind of crap that always happens" He assured me "its standard operating procedure"

Well, I don't know if that makes me feel any better......except to say that I do know, its life, my life. And He never gives me more than I can handle......

toooo bad He trusts me so much ;)

fourteen no more

This last year has been a pleasurable parenting year.....weird right? I mean I am speaking of a teenager and all......

But it has. Nani has matured so much this year, for the most part it has been pleasing.

Now of course there has been tears over the year. There has been arguments. A few disagreements. But it has also been a year of understanding, a year of acceptance, a year of growth, and great maturing. Honestly, I was scared. I thought for sure we couldn't live under the same roof during 6th and 7th grade. I was sure we'd end each other once and for all. Ari has had a very hard time with accepting how 'strict' we are. I've told her for years she'll thank us eventually for using the word NO more than she would like to hear it. And actually that thanks has come sooner than I thought it would. 

Nani is a joy. To be around her is to love her. She knows who she is and who she isn't.

She is brave. She doesn't quit. She has a tender heart and loves the Lord.

Nani loves life. She just does....always has. Shes adventurous, but a homebody. She likes to hang out w/ friends, but loves to be w/ family. We are blessed to call her daughter and to have her in our world. I love that she giggles at herself, and does the silliest things.....she's quick to say, that's just me!!! Shes braver than I, in most instances {shhh, don't tell her} and is not afraid to try things. {like cliff jumping when she was 8......EIGHT!!!}

Watching Nani grow up has been an adventure, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

This has been a year of change and growth and I am excited about the years to follow....

{8th grade graduation}

But it is so true, they do grow up so fast. I mean fast. And the baby you brought home from the hospital turns into a teenager, overnight.

I would say that transitioning from parenting a younger child to a teen isn't the easiest thing in the world. Its been a learning process, for sure. But that's all a part of the beauty of the journey.

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine

says she wants to look that way

But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake

And shes always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see

that beauty is within your heart

And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair

Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through

YOU were made to fill a purpose that only YOU can do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

{part of the lyrics to 'More Beautiful You' by Jonny Diaz}

{First day of 9th grade}



{being mamarazzi as she's walking up to high school.....what?}



{again w/ the adventure *sigh*}

fourteen no more......